Business Briefs: Sept. 2, 2012

Posted: September 2, 2012 - 12:00am

From staff

South Beaches Business Council Summer Mixer

The South Beaches Business Council — members of the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce — recently held their Summer Mixer at Allegro on Anastasia Island. More than 60 guests enjoyed music and food prepared by Allegro and beer and wine compliments of Prosperity Bank.

The South Beaches Business Council meets on the third Thursday of each month and is open to all members of the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce. Email vjbrown@bellsouth.net.

Natasha Chapman joins Spherion Staffing

Natasha Chapman recently joined Spherion Staffing, Branch Manager Cynthia Christ-Miller announced. Chapman attended the University of North Florida where she graduated with highest honors with her bachelor of arts degree in 2005. After college, she worked with the Duval County Health Department’s research department, then for Jax4Kids.com where she developed business and wrote content for the website. She is a resident of St. Johns County and currently volunteers through a board membership with WJCT. Spherion helps companies find high-performing flexible, temp to hire and direct hire talent. The local branch opened in St. Augustine in 1995. Go to www.spherion.com/firstcoast.

Children’s Museum of St. Johns announces officers for 2012-13

The Board of Directors of the Children’s Museum of St. Johns will welcome its new slate of officers to lead the charge of finalizing the permanent location of the future museum.

Benjamin Platt, president of CMSJ from 2011-12, remains on as President of the Board for the upcoming year. Platt is the Managing Partner of Kresge, Platt & Abare, CPA’s and brings valuable financial expertise to the organization.

Jeff King, vice president and general manager of Bozard Ford, has accepted the position of vice-president of the CMSJ Board for 2012-13. His presence in the community and wide range of contacts will be key in further developing the organization’s Capital Campaign and fundraising efforts during the next year.

Stephanie Hunter, Marketing Coordinator at Kresge, Platt & Abare, CPA’s, has accepted the position of Secretary of the CMSJ Board for 2012-13. Hunter has been involved with CMSJ for more than two years and is also a member of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, an organization which partnered with CMSJ in June to present the inaugural Feel the Wheels event, raising over $20,000 for CMSJ.

Sue Lucas continues as treasurer of CMSJ for the upcoming year. She will work closely with Susan Connor, Acting Executive Director, to maintain the financial records of the organization and monitor incoming donations and pledges.

Old Town Trolley promotes Michelle LaRocco

Old Town Trolley promoted Michelle LaRocco to operations manager. In her five years as Charter Representative at Old Town Trolley, LaRocco has demonstrated efficiency and unfailing hospitality. In her new position, she’ll be using these same skills to keep the trolley tours running on time. LaRocco is a St. Augustine native.

Josh Alexander receives honor

Josh Alexander, an assistant state attorney under RJ Larizza, was named one of Buzz Magazines Elite North Florida top 30 under 30 attorneys of 2012 award winners. He was given the award on Aug. 17 in Jacksonville.

Orthopaedic society accepts James Grimes

Dr. James Grimes has been accepted into The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication, and fellowship.

Founded in 1972, AOSSM is an international organization of orthopaedic surgeons and other allied health professionals dedicated to sports medicine.

Grimes holds two Board Certifications with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery — one in Orthopaedic Surgery, the other in Sports Medicine. Grimes is Chief for the Department of Orthopaedics at Flagler Hospital and a founding partner of Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine, where he specializes in sports medicine and joint surgery.